A taste of… Hop Henge Experimental IPA

Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Ave.,
Bend, OR 97702
USA
541.385.8606

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment).

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A slight chill haze and a vigorous carbonation gives this copper penny colored brew a well knit head of sparkling tiny bubbles. The linen white, with a light orange tinge, head falls quietly leaving a beautiful Belgian lace gracing the sides of the glass.

Aroma: The first impression is of soft, rounded grapefruit citric notes. The second visit reveals an undercurrent of spruce. A final nosedive brings on the spruce brigade!

Flavor: First impression is of citric spikes riding a crest of cool liquid refreshment. The second sip brings more of the citric flavors with hints of mandarin and navel oranges. The third sip shows a creamy beginning that wasn’t noticed at first and waits for the long lasting flavors to finish for goodness sake.

Mouth feel: This is a relatively lush brew.

Finish: This is a long lasting finisher… think running a marathon in over eight hours eh?

Food & Beer: A real pallet cleanser like this calls for creamy cheeses… pickles and liverwurst.

The Brewery: http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/2178

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/deschutes-jubelale/2142/